Bihar's Election Roll Overhaul: Transparency and Controversy
In response to the Supreme Court's directive, Bihar has published a list of 65 lakh deleted names from its draft electoral rolls online to enhance transparency. Despite the efforts, the Chief Election Commissioner addresses concerns about misinformation, emphasizing the robust and multi-layered electoral system in place.
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- India
Following a Supreme Court mandate, Bihar has swiftly moved to increase electoral transparency by posting the names of 65 lakh voters who were removed from the draft electoral rolls. These details can now be accessed on district magistrates' websites, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced on Sunday.
The top court's decision arose from multiple petitions questioning the special intensive revision of the electoral rolls in the politically significant state of Bihar. This revision process, overseen by the Election Commission, faced scrutiny for its mass deletion of names. The court emphasized the need for clear reasons behind the exclusion to prevent misunderstandings.
Amid the controversy, CEC Kumar reassured that India's electoral framework for parliamentary and assembly elections is comprehensive and decentralized. He highlighted the role of Electoral Registration Officers and Booth Level Officers in maintaining electoral integrity, allowing a full month for public claims and objections post-publication of the draft rolls.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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